Friday, May 4, 2012

Omkareshwar, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the
12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is on an island called Mandhata or
Shivapuri in the Narmada river. The shape of the island is said to be like the ॐ symbol.

The prominent white shikhara that now soars above the Shree
Omkar Mandhata temple is a relatively new addition to the dense cluster of
buildings. Below it, the ornate pillars in the assembly hall, or mandapa, are
more representative of the temple's antiquity.

We reached Omkareshwar on the holiest of holy days dedicated
to Lord Shiva – Mahashivratri hence did not visit the temple for darshan as the
crowds were phenomenal. We managed to get decent accomodation about 20kms away
and visited Omkareshwar next morning. The crowds had thinned but still were
enough to keep us satisfied with paying our respects from a distance.

Will take you on a photowalk through the streets of
Omkareshwar leading to the temple and its surroundings to give you a glimpse of
the festive atmosphere that was there.

Street cafes.

The ghat outside the temple on the banks of Narmada river.

The bridge to cross the river and go to the temple.

A sadhu on the banks of Narmada river across the temple.

Hot sev being mixed with poha for breakfast

Hot jalebis being fried

The devotees!

All God's creations welcome!

Parking lot for bikes

Hot pakodas being fried.

Getting there:

Air : The Airports closest to Omkareshwar are at Indore (77
km) and Ujjain (133 km).

Rail : Nearest Railway Station is at Omkareshwar Road (12
km) on the Ratlam-Khandwa section of the Western Railway which is not a
mainline. The other nearest railway station connected to Delhi and Mumbai is at
Indore (77 km).